2nd Gen Ball Joint Replacement Doable?

My 2008 Tacoma is about to hit 90K and is due for a state inspection. Now that deer season is over, I need something to do on Sat. Already planned on replacing brake pads, but I figured while I had the tire off, I would replace the tie rods and ball joints as well. Seems like a simple enough procedure...until I get to the ball joints. Are these possible to do at home with a separator. Or, will I need a machine press or a whole new control arm? Or, maybe I should just leave those puppies alone until someone tells me they need to be replaced.

 

haha I just was looking for this answer. Inspected today and have to replace both lowers on my 05. I am also wondering if it is a doable at home procedure? Looks like I will need to rent a ball joint press maybe?

 

Ha ha if you have 20 ton press at home than its doable at home

 

so i have a 20 ton press now. got it at harbor freight for 160 after a 20% coupon. cheaper than having someone fix my truck and also cheaper than getting new control arms. HOWEVER........................

I need help bad. I can not get the lower control arm off. I got the front bolt out by turning the bolt out of what i thought was the nut (which now I am assuming is attached to the bracket) but the rear bolt I can not get out. I got the nut off the end without a problem and the plate that was under the nut. This bolt is clearly different than the front nut. I cannot get the bolt and I cant drive it back. Is this bolt frozen or is there something I am missing. ANY help at all would be great. Thanks guys!

 

Don't need no 20 ton press. Did mine in my backyards years ago. I created a thread. Most likely called it "diy lca bj" or some shit. Search for it. Id link it but can't on my phone.

 

man i wanted to go that route but no one around here has the bj tool to use. So I am kinda stuck where I am at.

 

Frozen LCA alignment cams, a common problem with these trucks. Looks like in addition to the ball joints you'll need a new cam adjuster and new LCA bushings as well